This course explores the historical development of American business institutions from the colonial era to the present. Thematic units organize the material focusing in turn on the most significant developments in the American business environment. The goal is a cumulative understanding of the development of the system. A great deal of our discussion and reading centers on the interaction of market operations and social values and how these interactions influenced the business environment at different times. It is the study of business in the context of past times that makes this course different from a course in business methods or institutions. Through the study of the past students develop their critical thinking and writing skills.

This course is designed to give students some expertise in the life decisions that almost everyone must make concerning tax planning, purchasing or renting of a home or automobile, medical, life, auto and home insurance needs. Investments and planning for retirement among other financial decisions that adults must make.

Emphasizes how organizational managers use accounting information to support their functions of planning, control, and decision making. Examples taken from corporations, small business, and not-for-profit organizations. No credit for students who have received credit for ACFI 503, ADMN 503.

Study of investment, finance, and dividend decisions of the business firm. Topics include capital budgeting, designing and issuing securities, management of working capital and evaluating manager performance. Prereq: completion of Introductory Business Core or permission.